Recovery Console denies me access to my file registry

Pumpkinstew

Pumpkinstew

Pumpkinstew

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I'm trying to recover my system from a screwed up registry. I can't get into safe mode even to use system restore :( so I'm trying to follow these instructions.
MS Knowledge Base Article

The trouble is that the recovery console denies me access to the C: and I can't change the setting using set allowallpaths = true. I need an 'analysis snap in', which looks like it can only be installed from a working XP install. :confused:

Anyone know how to resolve this? Eternal gratitude awaits anyone who does.
 
I've always found the recovery console pretty pointless unless it involves working in the windows directory. It seems really stupid to restrict access outside the directory, unless of course it's meant for failing disks and integrity.
 
Triad2000 said:
I've always found the recovery console pretty pointless unless it involves working in the windows directory. It seems really stupid to restrict access outside the directory, unless of course it's meant for failing disks and integrity.
Click to expand...

Well I've tried cd\windows but I'm told access is denied, so I can't even see the Windows file structure.

It's a SATA HDD which means installing the drivers off a floppy every time I enter the consle from the XP install CD. Is this what's causing the problem, cos I can't see a way around that.
 
I tried installing XP again onto a PATA drive and althugh it could see the old partitions I got the error message
'the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable'

Have I got anything to lose by attempting fixboot or fixmbr from the recovery console?
Is there a chance it will make things worse?
 
Pumpkinstew said:
I tried installing XP again onto a PATA drive and althugh it could see the old partitions I got the error message
'the disk structure is corrupted and unreadable'

Have I got anything to lose by attempting fixboot or fixmbr from the recovery console?
Is there a chance it will make things worse?
Click to expand...
No as they would only attempt to correct the boot tables. Before you do that try a full chkdsk from the recovery console. Sounds as though the partition is corrupt and needs deleting + full format or the HD is physically damaged/failing. Had similar issues to you recently and it was caused by my HD failing.

Do not know how you can get it if your PC is screwed but try to get hold of the Barts Windows PE CD as this allows you to boot XP from CD into Ram and run some HD fix tools + access a non booting HD to copy the data off to an external device if need be.

http://www.nu2.nu/pebuilder/
 
I tried running chkdsk /r on the C partition last night and afterwards I was able to use the dir command without getting an error message. The tree still seemed intact.
Couldn't cd\ into the windows folder as access was denied.

I exited and re-entered the recovery console and this time it picked up the fact there was windows installation on the C: and asked me to push 1 to select it and logon.
Unfortunately after pushing 1 everything locked up and I never got thechance to attempt logging in using the admin password. :(

Anyone had any joy with data recovery software mending a boot sector/ master boot record?
 
Good news, everyone. :)

In the end I was able to use a second windows installation on another drive to import the registry entries from an earlier system restore point and I have everything running again (and fully backed up).

The XP theme won't work so I have square windows and a beige start bar, but I think I can live with that.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with abit f advice.
 
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